A CHARITY which provides a vital lifeline for vulnerable Redditch people and their carers is looking to younger people to increase the amount of support it can offer.

Carers Careline has been running in Redditch for about 12 years with a group of dedicated volunteers but many more are needed to help cope with the charity's ever-increasing list of clients.

The charity provides disabled and elderly people with companionship.

Using a small amount of funding it has recently received, the New Deal employee at Carers Careline will be talking to NEW College students and sixth form pupils in an effort to recruit a younger generation of volunteers.

Project co-ordinator Jinny Pearce said: "We want to bring in 18-25 year olds who are doing NVQs in care subjects, as they will already have an enthusiasm and interest in the care industry."

As well as looking for new volunteers, the charity is also holding drop-in days for existing volunteers.

The meetings, which started last week, will be held from 10am-3pm on the last Wednesday of the month and will give all volunteers a chance to talk and share thoughts and ideas with organisers and other volunteers.

Within the next few weeks, the charity will also start holding meeting sessions for carers.

Mrs Pearce said: "We want to hold these drop-in days so the carers have an opportunity to relax and a chance to mix with their fellow carers.

"We believe it is extremely important they are given an opportunity to do this."

For more details, call 66177.